Plant Galls of the Western United States - (Princeton Field Guides) by Ronald A Russo (Paperback)

About the Book

"California Wildlife Foundation. California Oaks Fund."

Book Synopsis

A photographic guide to 536 species of plant galls found west of the Rockies

Beautiful and bizarre, plant galls are growths of various shapes, sizes, and colors produced in response to invading organisms. Describing 536 species of galls and their causative agents, Plant Galls of the Western United States explores this unique realm with stunning photos and fascinating information about the life cycles of the organisms involved.

Often species-specific, plant galls can be shaped like stars, baskets, clubs, wigs, bowls, and cups, with colors and combinations that stagger the imagination. This richly illustrated field guide examines how galls develop, and their uses, seasonal appearance and growth rate, predators, and defense mechanisms. The "architects" of galls--bacteria, fungi, mites, moths, beetles, flies, midges, and wasps--are explored in depth, and descriptions are paired with illustrations of these gall-inducing organisms and their typical galls. Gall accounts are divided into those that occur on trees, shrubs, and miscellaneous hosts, including native and ornamental plants. The guide contains a useful glossary and a bibliography.

• Features 536 gall species--including 120 new to science and 232 that have never appeared in a field guide before
• Examines for the first time more than 90 species from southwestern oak trees
• Contains more than 150 species from most of the deserts of the western states

Review Quotes

"The author is to be congratulated . . . [The book makes] identification that much easier and the guide should appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts and lead to a surge in recording."---John Badmin, British Journal of Entomology and Natural History

"For those who have already discovered the wonders of plant galls, no reason needs to be given for why this book should pique your interest. For those who haven't yet added the observation and study of these fascinating, multi-form protrusions, I highly recommend giving the activity consideration, as learning about them is a superb way to expand your understanding of botany, mycology, and entomology all at the same time."---Johannes Riutta, The Well-read Naturalist

About the Author

Ronald A. Russo is a retired California naturalist. His books include Field Guide to Plant Galls of California and Other Western States and Hawaiian Reefs.